Jul
13

Romania puts former prison commander on trial

KDWN

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — For the first time since communism collapsed in Romania 25 years ago, a former prison commander goes on trial Monday charged with being responsible for the torture and murdering prisoners considered a threat to the country’s old order.

Survivors say the delay in bringing perpetrators to justice was a cynical tactic by Romania’s new rulers, some of whom held senior positions under the communist regime, to avoid accountability.

“These criminals were left in peace on purpose and most died in their beds. now they are bringing some of the crimes to light and it is important,” said Octav Bjoza, director of the Association of Former Political Prisoners in an interview with The Associated Press.

Alexandru Visinescu, 88, goes on trial charged with crimes against humanity for deaths that happened under his command at Ramnicu Sarat prison from 1956 to 1963. Since authorities brought charges against him, Visinescu says people in the street have shoved him to the ground and called him a criminal. He has pleaded not guilty and calls himself a scapegoat.

“I only followed orders. They should ask those that gave the orders,” he told the AP on Friday. “I am convinced they will do anything to take revenge.

“Why didn’t they put me on trial in 1964?” when the political prisons closed “or after (Communist leader) Nicolae Ceausescu died? Why now?”

He contests the number of deaths that prosecutors say happened under his command and denies mistreatment happened under his command that led to prisoners’ deaths. The word “criminal” is scrawled on the outside wall of the building where he lives in a shabby one-room apartment, full of old photographs of him in uniform and as a young boy. Born into a family of peasants, Visinescu said his father died the year he was born.

He seems more resigned than he was a year ago when he cursed and lunged at reporters after hearing charges against him and says he expects to go to prison. Another former prison guard was charged in 2000 with aggravated murder, but died before his trial could get underway.

Former ministers, diplomats, army officers, farmers, priests and workers considered a threat to the Communist regime were locked up in prisons from 1948 to 1964. Historians say one-fifth of the 500,000 who were incarcerated died. Bjoza says there were 40,000 political prisoners when communism ended with only 3,000 alive now.

Former prisoner Valentin Cristea, who was incarcerated in Ramnicu Sarat while Visinescu was commander, communicated by Morse code in the grim lockup where prisoners were mainly kept in solitary confinement and banned from communicating.

Cristea, 84, said he learned that the inmate in the neighboring cell, former army officer Jenica Arnautu, had gone on hunger strike to protest mistreatment, was being force-fed with a tube down his throat. In November 1959, three days after the tapping on the wall stopped, Arnautu, who was 36, died, Cristea said in an interview from his home in Campina, 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Bucharest. Visinescu denied knowledge of the case.

Prosecutors say 14 people died under Visinescu’s command, and said corpses showed signs of malnutrition according to doctors who signed the death certificates. They accuse Visinescu of denying medical treatment and postponing the hospitalization of gravely sick prisoners. “The regime …did not allow for the minimum survival conditions in the long term, “the indictment said. “Prisoners died in a long drawn-out process, that was nonetheless efficient, in which they were tortured physically and mentally,” were denied food, and were physically punished on the slightest pretext, the indictment says. Visinescu says fewer died.

A probe ordered by the Communist government in 1968 into the prisons concluded the state had installed “a regime to exterminate political prisoners from 1948-1964.”

Diplomat Victor Radulescu Pogoneanu, who was serving a 25-year sentence for “plot and treason,” died at Ramnicu Sarat after prison guards held his paralyzed legs and dragged him down stairs, banging his head on each step, according to the indictment. Visinescu denied he had been dragged down the stairs.

Bjoza said many prisoners died disappointed that there had been no attempt to punish former prison guards.

“We forgave these people but there has been no justice, so we feel condemned again.”

Jul
13

Romania puts former prison commander on trial

KDWN

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — For the first time since communism collapsed in Romania 25 years ago, a former prison commander goes on trial Monday charged with being responsible for the torture and murdering prisoners considered a threat to the country’s old order.

Survivors say the delay in bringing perpetrators to justice was a cynical tactic by Romania’s new rulers, some of whom held senior positions under the communist regime, to avoid accountability.

“These criminals were left in peace on purpose and most died in their beds. now they are bringing some of the crimes to light and it is important,” said Octav Bjoza, director of the Association of Former Political Prisoners in an interview with The Associated Press.

Alexandru Visinescu, 88, goes on trial charged with crimes against humanity for deaths that happened under his command at Ramnicu Sarat prison from 1956 to 1963. Since authorities brought charges against him, Visinescu says people in the street have shoved him to the ground and called him a criminal. He has pleaded not guilty and calls himself a scapegoat.

“I only followed orders. They should ask those that gave the orders,” he told the AP on Friday. “I am convinced they will do anything to take revenge.

“Why didn’t they put me on trial in 1964?” when the political prisons closed “or after (Communist leader) Nicolae Ceausescu died? Why now?”

He contests the number of deaths that prosecutors say happened under his command and denies mistreatment happened under his command that led to prisoners’ deaths. The word “criminal” is scrawled on the outside wall of the building where he lives in a shabby one-room apartment, full of old photographs of him in uniform and as a young boy. Born into a family of peasants, Visinescu said his father died the year he was born.

He seems more resigned than he was a year ago when he cursed and lunged at reporters after hearing charges against him and says he expects to go to prison. Another former prison guard was charged in 2000 with aggravated murder, but died before his trial could get underway.

Former ministers, diplomats, army officers, farmers, priests and workers considered a threat to the Communist regime were locked up in prisons from 1948 to 1964. Historians say one-fifth of the 500,000 who were incarcerated died. Bjoza says there were 40,000 political prisoners when communism ended with only 3,000 alive now.

Former prisoner Valentin Cristea, who was incarcerated in Ramnicu Sarat while Visinescu was commander, communicated by Morse code in the grim lockup where prisoners were mainly kept in solitary confinement and banned from communicating.

Cristea, 84, said he learned that the inmate in the neighboring cell, former army officer Jenica Arnautu, had gone on hunger strike to protest mistreatment, was being force-fed with a tube down his throat. In November 1959, three days after the tapping on the wall stopped, Arnautu, who was 36, died, Cristea said in an interview from his home in Campina, 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Bucharest. Visinescu denied knowledge of the case.

Prosecutors say 14 people died under Visinescu’s command, and said corpses showed signs of malnutrition according to doctors who signed the death certificates. They accuse Visinescu of denying medical treatment and postponing the hospitalization of gravely sick prisoners. “The regime …did not allow for the minimum survival conditions in the long term, “the indictment said. “Prisoners died in a long drawn-out process, that was nonetheless efficient, in which they were tortured physically and mentally,” were denied food, and were physically punished on the slightest pretext, the indictment says. Visinescu says fewer died.

A probe ordered by the Communist government in 1968 into the prisons concluded the state had installed “a regime to exterminate political prisoners from 1948-1964.”

Diplomat Victor Radulescu Pogoneanu, who was serving a 25-year sentence for “plot and treason,” died at Ramnicu Sarat after prison guards held his paralyzed legs and dragged him down stairs, banging his head on each step, according to the indictment. Visinescu denied he had been dragged down the stairs.

Bjoza said many prisoners died disappointed that there had been no attempt to punish former prison guards.

“We forgave these people but there has been no justice, so we feel condemned again.”

Jul
13

Romania puts former prison commander on trial

KDWN

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — For the first time since communism collapsed in Romania 25 years ago, a former prison commander goes on trial Monday charged with being responsible for the torture and murdering prisoners considered a threat to the country’s old order.

Survivors say the delay in bringing perpetrators to justice was a cynical tactic by Romania’s new rulers, some of whom held senior positions under the communist regime, to avoid accountability.

“These criminals were left in peace on purpose and most died in their beds. now they are bringing some of the crimes to light and it is important,” said Octav Bjoza, director of the Association of Former Political Prisoners in an interview with The Associated Press.

Alexandru Visinescu, 88, goes on trial charged with crimes against humanity for deaths that happened under his command at Ramnicu Sarat prison from 1956 to 1963. Since authorities brought charges against him, Visinescu says people in the street have shoved him to the ground and called him a criminal. He has pleaded not guilty and calls himself a scapegoat.

“I only followed orders. They should ask those that gave the orders,” he told the AP on Friday. “I am convinced they will do anything to take revenge.

“Why didn’t they put me on trial in 1964?” when the political prisons closed “or after (Communist leader) Nicolae Ceausescu died? Why now?”

He contests the number of deaths that prosecutors say happened under his command and denies mistreatment happened under his command that led to prisoners’ deaths. The word “criminal” is scrawled on the outside wall of the building where he lives in a shabby one-room apartment, full of old photographs of him in uniform and as a young boy. Born into a family of peasants, Visinescu said his father died the year he was born.

He seems more resigned than he was a year ago when he cursed and lunged at reporters after hearing charges against him and says he expects to go to prison. Another former prison guard was charged in 2000 with aggravated murder, but died before his trial could get underway.

Former ministers, diplomats, army officers, farmers, priests and workers considered a threat to the Communist regime were locked up in prisons from 1948 to 1964. Historians say one-fifth of the 500,000 who were incarcerated died. Bjoza says there were 40,000 political prisoners when communism ended with only 3,000 alive now.

Former prisoner Valentin Cristea, who was incarcerated in Ramnicu Sarat while Visinescu was commander, communicated by Morse code in the grim lockup where prisoners were mainly kept in solitary confinement and banned from communicating.

Cristea, 84, said he learned that the inmate in the neighboring cell, former army officer Jenica Arnautu, had gone on hunger strike to protest mistreatment, was being force-fed with a tube down his throat. In November 1959, three days after the tapping on the wall stopped, Arnautu, who was 36, died, Cristea said in an interview from his home in Campina, 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Bucharest. Visinescu denied knowledge of the case.

Prosecutors say 14 people died under Visinescu’s command, and said corpses showed signs of malnutrition according to doctors who signed the death certificates. They accuse Visinescu of denying medical treatment and postponing the hospitalization of gravely sick prisoners. “The regime …did not allow for the minimum survival conditions in the long term, “the indictment said. “Prisoners died in a long drawn-out process, that was nonetheless efficient, in which they were tortured physically and mentally,” were denied food, and were physically punished on the slightest pretext, the indictment says. Visinescu says fewer died.

A probe ordered by the Communist government in 1968 into the prisons concluded the state had installed “a regime to exterminate political prisoners from 1948-1964.”

Diplomat Victor Radulescu Pogoneanu, who was serving a 25-year sentence for “plot and treason,” died at Ramnicu Sarat after prison guards held his paralyzed legs and dragged him down stairs, banging his head on each step, according to the indictment. Visinescu denied he had been dragged down the stairs.

Bjoza said many prisoners died disappointed that there had been no attempt to punish former prison guards.

“We forgave these people but there has been no justice, so we feel condemned again.”

Jul
13

Romania puts former prison commander on trial

KDWN

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — For the first time since communism collapsed in Romania 25 years ago, a former prison commander goes on trial Monday charged with being responsible for the torture and murdering prisoners considered a threat to the country’s old order.

Survivors say the delay in bringing perpetrators to justice was a cynical tactic by Romania’s new rulers, some of whom held senior positions under the communist regime, to avoid accountability.

“These criminals were left in peace on purpose and most died in their beds. now they are bringing some of the crimes to light and it is important,” said Octav Bjoza, director of the Association of Former Political Prisoners in an interview with The Associated Press.

Alexandru Visinescu, 88, goes on trial charged with crimes against humanity for deaths that happened under his command at Ramnicu Sarat prison from 1956 to 1963. Since authorities brought charges against him, Visinescu says people in the street have shoved him to the ground and called him a criminal. He has pleaded not guilty and calls himself a scapegoat.

“I only followed orders. They should ask those that gave the orders,” he told the AP on Friday. “I am convinced they will do anything to take revenge.

“Why didn’t they put me on trial in 1964?” when the political prisons closed “or after (Communist leader) Nicolae Ceausescu died? Why now?”

He contests the number of deaths that prosecutors say happened under his command and denies mistreatment happened under his command that led to prisoners’ deaths. The word “criminal” is scrawled on the outside wall of the building where he lives in a shabby one-room apartment, full of old photographs of him in uniform and as a young boy. Born into a family of peasants, Visinescu said his father died the year he was born.

He seems more resigned than he was a year ago when he cursed and lunged at reporters after hearing charges against him and says he expects to go to prison. Another former prison guard was charged in 2000 with aggravated murder, but died before his trial could get underway.

Former ministers, diplomats, army officers, farmers, priests and workers considered a threat to the Communist regime were locked up in prisons from 1948 to 1964. Historians say one-fifth of the 500,000 who were incarcerated died. Bjoza says there were 40,000 political prisoners when communism ended with only 3,000 alive now.

Former prisoner Valentin Cristea, who was incarcerated in Ramnicu Sarat while Visinescu was commander, communicated by Morse code in the grim lockup where prisoners were mainly kept in solitary confinement and banned from communicating.

Cristea, 84, said he learned that the inmate in the neighboring cell, former army officer Jenica Arnautu, had gone on hunger strike to protest mistreatment, was being force-fed with a tube down his throat. In November 1959, three days after the tapping on the wall stopped, Arnautu, who was 36, died, Cristea said in an interview from his home in Campina, 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Bucharest. Visinescu denied knowledge of the case.

Prosecutors say 14 people died under Visinescu’s command, and said corpses showed signs of malnutrition according to doctors who signed the death certificates. They accuse Visinescu of denying medical treatment and postponing the hospitalization of gravely sick prisoners. “The regime …did not allow for the minimum survival conditions in the long term, “the indictment said. “Prisoners died in a long drawn-out process, that was nonetheless efficient, in which they were tortured physically and mentally,” were denied food, and were physically punished on the slightest pretext, the indictment says. Visinescu says fewer died.

A probe ordered by the Communist government in 1968 into the prisons concluded the state had installed “a regime to exterminate political prisoners from 1948-1964.”

Diplomat Victor Radulescu Pogoneanu, who was serving a 25-year sentence for “plot and treason,” died at Ramnicu Sarat after prison guards held his paralyzed legs and dragged him down stairs, banging his head on each step, according to the indictment. Visinescu denied he had been dragged down the stairs.

Bjoza said many prisoners died disappointed that there had been no attempt to punish former prison guards.

“We forgave these people but there has been no justice, so we feel condemned again.”

Jul
13

Romania puts former prison commander on trial

KDWN

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — For the first time since communism collapsed in Romania 25 years ago, a former prison commander goes on trial Monday charged with being responsible for the torture and murdering prisoners considered a threat to the country’s old order.

Survivors say the delay in bringing perpetrators to justice was a cynical tactic by Romania’s new rulers, some of whom held senior positions under the communist regime, to avoid accountability.

“These criminals were left in peace on purpose and most died in their beds. now they are bringing some of the crimes to light and it is important,” said Octav Bjoza, director of the Association of Former Political Prisoners in an interview with The Associated Press.

Alexandru Visinescu, 88, goes on trial charged with crimes against humanity for deaths that happened under his command at Ramnicu Sarat prison from 1956 to 1963. Since authorities brought charges against him, Visinescu says people in the street have shoved him to the ground and called him a criminal. He has pleaded not guilty and calls himself a scapegoat.

“I only followed orders. They should ask those that gave the orders,” he told the AP on Friday. “I am convinced they will do anything to take revenge.

“Why didn’t they put me on trial in 1964?” when the political prisons closed “or after (Communist leader) Nicolae Ceausescu died? Why now?”

He contests the number of deaths that prosecutors say happened under his command and denies mistreatment happened under his command that led to prisoners’ deaths. The word “criminal” is scrawled on the outside wall of the building where he lives in a shabby one-room apartment, full of old photographs of him in uniform and as a young boy. Born into a family of peasants, Visinescu said his father died the year he was born.

He seems more resigned than he was a year ago when he cursed and lunged at reporters after hearing charges against him and says he expects to go to prison. Another former prison guard was charged in 2000 with aggravated murder, but died before his trial could get underway.

Former ministers, diplomats, army officers, farmers, priests and workers considered a threat to the Communist regime were locked up in prisons from 1948 to 1964. Historians say one-fifth of the 500,000 who were incarcerated died. Bjoza says there were 40,000 political prisoners when communism ended with only 3,000 alive now.

Former prisoner Valentin Cristea, who was incarcerated in Ramnicu Sarat while Visinescu was commander, communicated by Morse code in the grim lockup where prisoners were mainly kept in solitary confinement and banned from communicating.

Cristea, 84, said he learned that the inmate in the neighboring cell, former army officer Jenica Arnautu, had gone on hunger strike to protest mistreatment, was being force-fed with a tube down his throat. In November 1959, three days after the tapping on the wall stopped, Arnautu, who was 36, died, Cristea said in an interview from his home in Campina, 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Bucharest. Visinescu denied knowledge of the case.

Prosecutors say 14 people died under Visinescu’s command, and said corpses showed signs of malnutrition according to doctors who signed the death certificates. They accuse Visinescu of denying medical treatment and postponing the hospitalization of gravely sick prisoners. “The regime …did not allow for the minimum survival conditions in the long term, “the indictment said. “Prisoners died in a long drawn-out process, that was nonetheless efficient, in which they were tortured physically and mentally,” were denied food, and were physically punished on the slightest pretext, the indictment says. Visinescu says fewer died.

A probe ordered by the Communist government in 1968 into the prisons concluded the state had installed “a regime to exterminate political prisoners from 1948-1964.”

Diplomat Victor Radulescu Pogoneanu, who was serving a 25-year sentence for “plot and treason,” died at Ramnicu Sarat after prison guards held his paralyzed legs and dragged him down stairs, banging his head on each step, according to the indictment. Visinescu denied he had been dragged down the stairs.

Bjoza said many prisoners died disappointed that there had been no attempt to punish former prison guards.

“We forgave these people but there has been no justice, so we feel condemned again.”

Jul
13

Romania puts former prison commander on trial

KDWN

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — For the first time since communism collapsed in Romania 25 years ago, a former prison commander goes on trial Monday charged with being responsible for the torture and murdering prisoners considered a threat to the country’s old order.

Survivors say the delay in bringing perpetrators to justice was a cynical tactic by Romania’s new rulers, some of whom held senior positions under the communist regime, to avoid accountability.

“These criminals were left in peace on purpose and most died in their beds. now they are bringing some of the crimes to light and it is important,” said Octav Bjoza, director of the Association of Former Political Prisoners in an interview with The Associated Press.

Alexandru Visinescu, 88, goes on trial charged with crimes against humanity for deaths that happened under his command at Ramnicu Sarat prison from 1956 to 1963. Since authorities brought charges against him, Visinescu says people in the street have shoved him to the ground and called him a criminal. He has pleaded not guilty and calls himself a scapegoat.

“I only followed orders. They should ask those that gave the orders,” he told the AP on Friday. “I am convinced they will do anything to take revenge.

“Why didn’t they put me on trial in 1964?” when the political prisons closed “or after (Communist leader) Nicolae Ceausescu died? Why now?”

He contests the number of deaths that prosecutors say happened under his command and denies mistreatment happened under his command that led to prisoners’ deaths. The word “criminal” is scrawled on the outside wall of the building where he lives in a shabby one-room apartment, full of old photographs of him in uniform and as a young boy. Born into a family of peasants, Visinescu said his father died the year he was born.

He seems more resigned than he was a year ago when he cursed and lunged at reporters after hearing charges against him and says he expects to go to prison. Another former prison guard was charged in 2000 with aggravated murder, but died before his trial could get underway.

Former ministers, diplomats, army officers, farmers, priests and workers considered a threat to the Communist regime were locked up in prisons from 1948 to 1964. Historians say one-fifth of the 500,000 who were incarcerated died. Bjoza says there were 40,000 political prisoners when communism ended with only 3,000 alive now.

Former prisoner Valentin Cristea, who was incarcerated in Ramnicu Sarat while Visinescu was commander, communicated by Morse code in the grim lockup where prisoners were mainly kept in solitary confinement and banned from communicating.

Cristea, 84, said he learned that the inmate in the neighboring cell, former army officer Jenica Arnautu, had gone on hunger strike to protest mistreatment, was being force-fed with a tube down his throat. In November 1959, three days after the tapping on the wall stopped, Arnautu, who was 36, died, Cristea said in an interview from his home in Campina, 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Bucharest. Visinescu denied knowledge of the case.

Prosecutors say 14 people died under Visinescu’s command, and said corpses showed signs of malnutrition according to doctors who signed the death certificates. They accuse Visinescu of denying medical treatment and postponing the hospitalization of gravely sick prisoners. “The regime …did not allow for the minimum survival conditions in the long term, “the indictment said. “Prisoners died in a long drawn-out process, that was nonetheless efficient, in which they were tortured physically and mentally,” were denied food, and were physically punished on the slightest pretext, the indictment says. Visinescu says fewer died.

A probe ordered by the Communist government in 1968 into the prisons concluded the state had installed “a regime to exterminate political prisoners from 1948-1964.”

Diplomat Victor Radulescu Pogoneanu, who was serving a 25-year sentence for “plot and treason,” died at Ramnicu Sarat after prison guards held his paralyzed legs and dragged him down stairs, banging his head on each step, according to the indictment. Visinescu denied he had been dragged down the stairs.

Bjoza said many prisoners died disappointed that there had been no attempt to punish former prison guards.

“We forgave these people but there has been no justice, so we feel condemned again.”

Jul
13

Romania puts former prison commander on trial

KDWN

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — For the first time since communism collapsed in Romania 25 years ago, a former prison commander goes on trial Monday charged with being responsible for the torture and murdering prisoners considered a threat to the country’s old order.

Survivors say the delay in bringing perpetrators to justice was a cynical tactic by Romania’s new rulers, some of whom held senior positions under the communist regime, to avoid accountability.

“These criminals were left in peace on purpose and most died in their beds. now they are bringing some of the crimes to light and it is important,” said Octav Bjoza, director of the Association of Former Political Prisoners in an interview with The Associated Press.

Alexandru Visinescu, 88, goes on trial charged with crimes against humanity for deaths that happened under his command at Ramnicu Sarat prison from 1956 to 1963. Since authorities brought charges against him, Visinescu says people in the street have shoved him to the ground and called him a criminal. He has pleaded not guilty and calls himself a scapegoat.

“I only followed orders. They should ask those that gave the orders,” he told the AP on Friday. “I am convinced they will do anything to take revenge.

“Why didn’t they put me on trial in 1964?” when the political prisons closed “or after (Communist leader) Nicolae Ceausescu died? Why now?”

He contests the number of deaths that prosecutors say happened under his command and denies mistreatment happened under his command that led to prisoners’ deaths. The word “criminal” is scrawled on the outside wall of the building where he lives in a shabby one-room apartment, full of old photographs of him in uniform and as a young boy. Born into a family of peasants, Visinescu said his father died the year he was born.

He seems more resigned than he was a year ago when he cursed and lunged at reporters after hearing charges against him and says he expects to go to prison. Another former prison guard was charged in 2000 with aggravated murder, but died before his trial could get underway.

Former ministers, diplomats, army officers, farmers, priests and workers considered a threat to the Communist regime were locked up in prisons from 1948 to 1964. Historians say one-fifth of the 500,000 who were incarcerated died. Bjoza says there were 40,000 political prisoners when communism ended with only 3,000 alive now.

Former prisoner Valentin Cristea, who was incarcerated in Ramnicu Sarat while Visinescu was commander, communicated by Morse code in the grim lockup where prisoners were mainly kept in solitary confinement and banned from communicating.

Cristea, 84, said he learned that the inmate in the neighboring cell, former army officer Jenica Arnautu, had gone on hunger strike to protest mistreatment, was being force-fed with a tube down his throat. In November 1959, three days after the tapping on the wall stopped, Arnautu, who was 36, died, Cristea said in an interview from his home in Campina, 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Bucharest. Visinescu denied knowledge of the case.

Prosecutors say 14 people died under Visinescu’s command, and said corpses showed signs of malnutrition according to doctors who signed the death certificates. They accuse Visinescu of denying medical treatment and postponing the hospitalization of gravely sick prisoners. “The regime …did not allow for the minimum survival conditions in the long term, “the indictment said. “Prisoners died in a long drawn-out process, that was nonetheless efficient, in which they were tortured physically and mentally,” were denied food, and were physically punished on the slightest pretext, the indictment says. Visinescu says fewer died.

A probe ordered by the Communist government in 1968 into the prisons concluded the state had installed “a regime to exterminate political prisoners from 1948-1964.”

Diplomat Victor Radulescu Pogoneanu, who was serving a 25-year sentence for “plot and treason,” died at Ramnicu Sarat after prison guards held his paralyzed legs and dragged him down stairs, banging his head on each step, according to the indictment. Visinescu denied he had been dragged down the stairs.

Bjoza said many prisoners died disappointed that there had been no attempt to punish former prison guards.

“We forgave these people but there has been no justice, so we feel condemned again.”

Jul
13

Romania puts former prison commander on trial

KDWN

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — For the first time since communism collapsed in Romania 25 years ago, a former prison commander goes on trial Monday charged with being responsible for the torture and murdering prisoners considered a threat to the country’s old order.

Survivors say the delay in bringing perpetrators to justice was a cynical tactic by Romania’s new rulers, some of whom held senior positions under the communist regime, to avoid accountability.

“These criminals were left in peace on purpose and most died in their beds. now they are bringing some of the crimes to light and it is important,” said Octav Bjoza, director of the Association of Former Political Prisoners in an interview with The Associated Press.

Alexandru Visinescu, 88, goes on trial charged with crimes against humanity for deaths that happened under his command at Ramnicu Sarat prison from 1956 to 1963. Since authorities brought charges against him, Visinescu says people in the street have shoved him to the ground and called him a criminal. He has pleaded not guilty and calls himself a scapegoat.

“I only followed orders. They should ask those that gave the orders,” he told the AP on Friday. “I am convinced they will do anything to take revenge.

“Why didn’t they put me on trial in 1964?” when the political prisons closed “or after (Communist leader) Nicolae Ceausescu died? Why now?”

He contests the number of deaths that prosecutors say happened under his command and denies mistreatment happened under his command that led to prisoners’ deaths. The word “criminal” is scrawled on the outside wall of the building where he lives in a shabby one-room apartment, full of old photographs of him in uniform and as a young boy. Born into a family of peasants, Visinescu said his father died the year he was born.

He seems more resigned than he was a year ago when he cursed and lunged at reporters after hearing charges against him and says he expects to go to prison. Another former prison guard was charged in 2000 with aggravated murder, but died before his trial could get underway.

Former ministers, diplomats, army officers, farmers, priests and workers considered a threat to the Communist regime were locked up in prisons from 1948 to 1964. Historians say one-fifth of the 500,000 who were incarcerated died. Bjoza says there were 40,000 political prisoners when communism ended with only 3,000 alive now.

Former prisoner Valentin Cristea, who was incarcerated in Ramnicu Sarat while Visinescu was commander, communicated by Morse code in the grim lockup where prisoners were mainly kept in solitary confinement and banned from communicating.

Cristea, 84, said he learned that the inmate in the neighboring cell, former army officer Jenica Arnautu, had gone on hunger strike to protest mistreatment, was being force-fed with a tube down his throat. In November 1959, three days after the tapping on the wall stopped, Arnautu, who was 36, died, Cristea said in an interview from his home in Campina, 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Bucharest. Visinescu denied knowledge of the case.

Prosecutors say 14 people died under Visinescu’s command, and said corpses showed signs of malnutrition according to doctors who signed the death certificates. They accuse Visinescu of denying medical treatment and postponing the hospitalization of gravely sick prisoners. “The regime …did not allow for the minimum survival conditions in the long term, “the indictment said. “Prisoners died in a long drawn-out process, that was nonetheless efficient, in which they were tortured physically and mentally,” were denied food, and were physically punished on the slightest pretext, the indictment says. Visinescu says fewer died.

A probe ordered by the Communist government in 1968 into the prisons concluded the state had installed “a regime to exterminate political prisoners from 1948-1964.”

Diplomat Victor Radulescu Pogoneanu, who was serving a 25-year sentence for “plot and treason,” died at Ramnicu Sarat after prison guards held his paralyzed legs and dragged him down stairs, banging his head on each step, according to the indictment. Visinescu denied he had been dragged down the stairs.

Bjoza said many prisoners died disappointed that there had been no attempt to punish former prison guards.

“We forgave these people but there has been no justice, so we feel condemned again.”

Jul
13

Romania puts former prison commander on trial

KDWN

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — For the first time since communism collapsed in Romania 25 years ago, a former prison commander goes on trial Monday charged with being responsible for the torture and murdering prisoners considered a threat to the country’s old order.

Survivors say the delay in bringing perpetrators to justice was a cynical tactic by Romania’s new rulers, some of whom held senior positions under the communist regime, to avoid accountability.

“These criminals were left in peace on purpose and most died in their beds. now they are bringing some of the crimes to light and it is important,” said Octav Bjoza, director of the Association of Former Political Prisoners in an interview with The Associated Press.

Alexandru Visinescu, 88, goes on trial charged with crimes against humanity for deaths that happened under his command at Ramnicu Sarat prison from 1956 to 1963. Since authorities brought charges against him, Visinescu says people in the street have shoved him to the ground and called him a criminal. He has pleaded not guilty and calls himself a scapegoat.

“I only followed orders. They should ask those that gave the orders,” he told the AP on Friday. “I am convinced they will do anything to take revenge.

“Why didn’t they put me on trial in 1964?” when the political prisons closed “or after (Communist leader) Nicolae Ceausescu died? Why now?”

He contests the number of deaths that prosecutors say happened under his command and denies mistreatment happened under his command that led to prisoners’ deaths. The word “criminal” is scrawled on the outside wall of the building where he lives in a shabby one-room apartment, full of old photographs of him in uniform and as a young boy. Born into a family of peasants, Visinescu said his father died the year he was born.

He seems more resigned than he was a year ago when he cursed and lunged at reporters after hearing charges against him and says he expects to go to prison. Another former prison guard was charged in 2000 with aggravated murder, but died before his trial could get underway.

Former ministers, diplomats, army officers, farmers, priests and workers considered a threat to the Communist regime were locked up in prisons from 1948 to 1964. Historians say one-fifth of the 500,000 who were incarcerated died. Bjoza says there were 40,000 political prisoners when communism ended with only 3,000 alive now.

Former prisoner Valentin Cristea, who was incarcerated in Ramnicu Sarat while Visinescu was commander, communicated by Morse code in the grim lockup where prisoners were mainly kept in solitary confinement and banned from communicating.

Cristea, 84, said he learned that the inmate in the neighboring cell, former army officer Jenica Arnautu, had gone on hunger strike to protest mistreatment, was being force-fed with a tube down his throat. In November 1959, three days after the tapping on the wall stopped, Arnautu, who was 36, died, Cristea said in an interview from his home in Campina, 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Bucharest. Visinescu denied knowledge of the case.

Prosecutors say 14 people died under Visinescu’s command, and said corpses showed signs of malnutrition according to doctors who signed the death certificates. They accuse Visinescu of denying medical treatment and postponing the hospitalization of gravely sick prisoners. “The regime …did not allow for the minimum survival conditions in the long term, “the indictment said. “Prisoners died in a long drawn-out process, that was nonetheless efficient, in which they were tortured physically and mentally,” were denied food, and were physically punished on the slightest pretext, the indictment says. Visinescu says fewer died.

A probe ordered by the Communist government in 1968 into the prisons concluded the state had installed “a regime to exterminate political prisoners from 1948-1964.”

Diplomat Victor Radulescu Pogoneanu, who was serving a 25-year sentence for “plot and treason,” died at Ramnicu Sarat after prison guards held his paralyzed legs and dragged him down stairs, banging his head on each step, according to the indictment. Visinescu denied he had been dragged down the stairs.

Bjoza said many prisoners died disappointed that there had been no attempt to punish former prison guards.

“We forgave these people but there has been no justice, so we feel condemned again.”

Jul
13

Romania puts former prison commander on trial

KDWN

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — For the first time since communism collapsed in Romania 25 years ago, a former prison commander goes on trial Monday charged with being responsible for the torture and murdering prisoners considered a threat to the country’s old order.

Survivors say the delay in bringing perpetrators to justice was a cynical tactic by Romania’s new rulers, some of whom held senior positions under the communist regime, to avoid accountability.

“These criminals were left in peace on purpose and most died in their beds. now they are bringing some of the crimes to light and it is important,” said Octav Bjoza, director of the Association of Former Political Prisoners in an interview with The Associated Press.

Alexandru Visinescu, 88, goes on trial charged with crimes against humanity for deaths that happened under his command at Ramnicu Sarat prison from 1956 to 1963. Since authorities brought charges against him, Visinescu says people in the street have shoved him to the ground and called him a criminal. He has pleaded not guilty and calls himself a scapegoat.

“I only followed orders. They should ask those that gave the orders,” he told the AP on Friday. “I am convinced they will do anything to take revenge.

“Why didn’t they put me on trial in 1964?” when the political prisons closed “or after (Communist leader) Nicolae Ceausescu died? Why now?”

He contests the number of deaths that prosecutors say happened under his command and denies mistreatment happened under his command that led to prisoners’ deaths. The word “criminal” is scrawled on the outside wall of the building where he lives in a shabby one-room apartment, full of old photographs of him in uniform and as a young boy. Born into a family of peasants, Visinescu said his father died the year he was born.

He seems more resigned than he was a year ago when he cursed and lunged at reporters after hearing charges against him and says he expects to go to prison. Another former prison guard was charged in 2000 with aggravated murder, but died before his trial could get underway.

Former ministers, diplomats, army officers, farmers, priests and workers considered a threat to the Communist regime were locked up in prisons from 1948 to 1964. Historians say one-fifth of the 500,000 who were incarcerated died. Bjoza says there were 40,000 political prisoners when communism ended with only 3,000 alive now.

Former prisoner Valentin Cristea, who was incarcerated in Ramnicu Sarat while Visinescu was commander, communicated by Morse code in the grim lockup where prisoners were mainly kept in solitary confinement and banned from communicating.

Cristea, 84, said he learned that the inmate in the neighboring cell, former army officer Jenica Arnautu, had gone on hunger strike to protest mistreatment, was being force-fed with a tube down his throat. In November 1959, three days after the tapping on the wall stopped, Arnautu, who was 36, died, Cristea said in an interview from his home in Campina, 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Bucharest. Visinescu denied knowledge of the case.

Prosecutors say 14 people died under Visinescu’s command, and said corpses showed signs of malnutrition according to doctors who signed the death certificates. They accuse Visinescu of denying medical treatment and postponing the hospitalization of gravely sick prisoners. “The regime …did not allow for the minimum survival conditions in the long term, “the indictment said. “Prisoners died in a long drawn-out process, that was nonetheless efficient, in which they were tortured physically and mentally,” were denied food, and were physically punished on the slightest pretext, the indictment says. Visinescu says fewer died.

A probe ordered by the Communist government in 1968 into the prisons concluded the state had installed “a regime to exterminate political prisoners from 1948-1964.”

Diplomat Victor Radulescu Pogoneanu, who was serving a 25-year sentence for “plot and treason,” died at Ramnicu Sarat after prison guards held his paralyzed legs and dragged him down stairs, banging his head on each step, according to the indictment. Visinescu denied he had been dragged down the stairs.

Bjoza said many prisoners died disappointed that there had been no attempt to punish former prison guards.

“We forgave these people but there has been no justice, so we feel condemned again.”

Jul
13

Romania puts former prison commander on trial

KDWN

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — For the first time since communism collapsed in Romania 25 years ago, a former prison commander goes on trial Monday charged with being responsible for the torture and murdering prisoners considered a threat to the country’s old order.

Survivors say the delay in bringing perpetrators to justice was a cynical tactic by Romania’s new rulers, some of whom held senior positions under the communist regime, to avoid accountability.

“These criminals were left in peace on purpose and most died in their beds. now they are bringing some of the crimes to light and it is important,” said Octav Bjoza, director of the Association of Former Political Prisoners in an interview with The Associated Press.

Alexandru Visinescu, 88, goes on trial charged with crimes against humanity for deaths that happened under his command at Ramnicu Sarat prison from 1956 to 1963. Since authorities brought charges against him, Visinescu says people in the street have shoved him to the ground and called him a criminal. He has pleaded not guilty and calls himself a scapegoat.

“I only followed orders. They should ask those that gave the orders,” he told the AP on Friday. “I am convinced they will do anything to take revenge.

“Why didn’t they put me on trial in 1964?” when the political prisons closed “or after (Communist leader) Nicolae Ceausescu died? Why now?”

He contests the number of deaths that prosecutors say happened under his command and denies mistreatment happened under his command that led to prisoners’ deaths. The word “criminal” is scrawled on the outside wall of the building where he lives in a shabby one-room apartment, full of old photographs of him in uniform and as a young boy. Born into a family of peasants, Visinescu said his father died the year he was born.

He seems more resigned than he was a year ago when he cursed and lunged at reporters after hearing charges against him and says he expects to go to prison. Another former prison guard was charged in 2000 with aggravated murder, but died before his trial could get underway.

Former ministers, diplomats, army officers, farmers, priests and workers considered a threat to the Communist regime were locked up in prisons from 1948 to 1964. Historians say one-fifth of the 500,000 who were incarcerated died. Bjoza says there were 40,000 political prisoners when communism ended with only 3,000 alive now.

Former prisoner Valentin Cristea, who was incarcerated in Ramnicu Sarat while Visinescu was commander, communicated by Morse code in the grim lockup where prisoners were mainly kept in solitary confinement and banned from communicating.

Cristea, 84, said he learned that the inmate in the neighboring cell, former army officer Jenica Arnautu, had gone on hunger strike to protest mistreatment, was being force-fed with a tube down his throat. In November 1959, three days after the tapping on the wall stopped, Arnautu, who was 36, died, Cristea said in an interview from his home in Campina, 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Bucharest. Visinescu denied knowledge of the case.

Prosecutors say 14 people died under Visinescu’s command, and said corpses showed signs of malnutrition according to doctors who signed the death certificates. They accuse Visinescu of denying medical treatment and postponing the hospitalization of gravely sick prisoners. “The regime …did not allow for the minimum survival conditions in the long term, “the indictment said. “Prisoners died in a long drawn-out process, that was nonetheless efficient, in which they were tortured physically and mentally,” were denied food, and were physically punished on the slightest pretext, the indictment says. Visinescu says fewer died.

A probe ordered by the Communist government in 1968 into the prisons concluded the state had installed “a regime to exterminate political prisoners from 1948-1964.”

Diplomat Victor Radulescu Pogoneanu, who was serving a 25-year sentence for “plot and treason,” died at Ramnicu Sarat after prison guards held his paralyzed legs and dragged him down stairs, banging his head on each step, according to the indictment. Visinescu denied he had been dragged down the stairs.

Bjoza said many prisoners died disappointed that there had been no attempt to punish former prison guards.

“We forgave these people but there has been no justice, so we feel condemned again.”

Jul
13

Romania puts former prison commander on trial

KDWN

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — For the first time since communism collapsed in Romania 25 years ago, a former prison commander goes on trial Monday charged with being responsible for the torture and murdering prisoners considered a threat to the country’s old order.

Survivors say the delay in bringing perpetrators to justice was a cynical tactic by Romania’s new rulers, some of whom held senior positions under the communist regime, to avoid accountability.

“These criminals were left in peace on purpose and most died in their beds. now they are bringing some of the crimes to light and it is important,” said Octav Bjoza, director of the Association of Former Political Prisoners in an interview with The Associated Press.

Alexandru Visinescu, 88, goes on trial charged with crimes against humanity for deaths that happened under his command at Ramnicu Sarat prison from 1956 to 1963. Since authorities brought charges against him, Visinescu says people in the street have shoved him to the ground and called him a criminal. He has pleaded not guilty and calls himself a scapegoat.

“I only followed orders. They should ask those that gave the orders,” he told the AP on Friday. “I am convinced they will do anything to take revenge.

“Why didn’t they put me on trial in 1964?” when the political prisons closed “or after (Communist leader) Nicolae Ceausescu died? Why now?”

He contests the number of deaths that prosecutors say happened under his command and denies mistreatment happened under his command that led to prisoners’ deaths. The word “criminal” is scrawled on the outside wall of the building where he lives in a shabby one-room apartment, full of old photographs of him in uniform and as a young boy. Born into a family of peasants, Visinescu said his father died the year he was born.

He seems more resigned than he was a year ago when he cursed and lunged at reporters after hearing charges against him and says he expects to go to prison. Another former prison guard was charged in 2000 with aggravated murder, but died before his trial could get underway.

Former ministers, diplomats, army officers, farmers, priests and workers considered a threat to the Communist regime were locked up in prisons from 1948 to 1964. Historians say one-fifth of the 500,000 who were incarcerated died. Bjoza says there were 40,000 political prisoners when communism ended with only 3,000 alive now.

Former prisoner Valentin Cristea, who was incarcerated in Ramnicu Sarat while Visinescu was commander, communicated by Morse code in the grim lockup where prisoners were mainly kept in solitary confinement and banned from communicating.

Cristea, 84, said he learned that the inmate in the neighboring cell, former army officer Jenica Arnautu, had gone on hunger strike to protest mistreatment, was being force-fed with a tube down his throat. In November 1959, three days after the tapping on the wall stopped, Arnautu, who was 36, died, Cristea said in an interview from his home in Campina, 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Bucharest. Visinescu denied knowledge of the case.

Prosecutors say 14 people died under Visinescu’s command, and said corpses showed signs of malnutrition according to doctors who signed the death certificates. They accuse Visinescu of denying medical treatment and postponing the hospitalization of gravely sick prisoners. “The regime …did not allow for the minimum survival conditions in the long term, “the indictment said. “Prisoners died in a long drawn-out process, that was nonetheless efficient, in which they were tortured physically and mentally,” were denied food, and were physically punished on the slightest pretext, the indictment says. Visinescu says fewer died.

A probe ordered by the Communist government in 1968 into the prisons concluded the state had installed “a regime to exterminate political prisoners from 1948-1964.”

Diplomat Victor Radulescu Pogoneanu, who was serving a 25-year sentence for “plot and treason,” died at Ramnicu Sarat after prison guards held his paralyzed legs and dragged him down stairs, banging his head on each step, according to the indictment. Visinescu denied he had been dragged down the stairs.

Bjoza said many prisoners died disappointed that there had been no attempt to punish former prison guards.

“We forgave these people but there has been no justice, so we feel condemned again.”

Jul
13

Romania puts former prison commander on trial

KDWN

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — For the first time since communism collapsed in Romania 25 years ago, a former prison commander goes on trial Monday charged with being responsible for the torture and murdering prisoners considered a threat to the country’s old order.

Survivors say the delay in bringing perpetrators to justice was a cynical tactic by Romania’s new rulers, some of whom held senior positions under the communist regime, to avoid accountability.

“These criminals were left in peace on purpose and most died in their beds. now they are bringing some of the crimes to light and it is important,” said Octav Bjoza, director of the Association of Former Political Prisoners in an interview with The Associated Press.

Alexandru Visinescu, 88, goes on trial charged with crimes against humanity for deaths that happened under his command at Ramnicu Sarat prison from 1956 to 1963. Since authorities brought charges against him, Visinescu says people in the street have shoved him to the ground and called him a criminal. He has pleaded not guilty and calls himself a scapegoat.

“I only followed orders. They should ask those that gave the orders,” he told the AP on Friday. “I am convinced they will do anything to take revenge.

“Why didn’t they put me on trial in 1964?” when the political prisons closed “or after (Communist leader) Nicolae Ceausescu died? Why now?”

He contests the number of deaths that prosecutors say happened under his command and denies mistreatment happened under his command that led to prisoners’ deaths. The word “criminal” is scrawled on the outside wall of the building where he lives in a shabby one-room apartment, full of old photographs of him in uniform and as a young boy. Born into a family of peasants, Visinescu said his father died the year he was born.

He seems more resigned than he was a year ago when he cursed and lunged at reporters after hearing charges against him and says he expects to go to prison. Another former prison guard was charged in 2000 with aggravated murder, but died before his trial could get underway.

Former ministers, diplomats, army officers, farmers, priests and workers considered a threat to the Communist regime were locked up in prisons from 1948 to 1964. Historians say one-fifth of the 500,000 who were incarcerated died. Bjoza says there were 40,000 political prisoners when communism ended with only 3,000 alive now.

Former prisoner Valentin Cristea, who was incarcerated in Ramnicu Sarat while Visinescu was commander, communicated by Morse code in the grim lockup where prisoners were mainly kept in solitary confinement and banned from communicating.

Cristea, 84, said he learned that the inmate in the neighboring cell, former army officer Jenica Arnautu, had gone on hunger strike to protest mistreatment, was being force-fed with a tube down his throat. In November 1959, three days after the tapping on the wall stopped, Arnautu, who was 36, died, Cristea said in an interview from his home in Campina, 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Bucharest. Visinescu denied knowledge of the case.

Prosecutors say 14 people died under Visinescu’s command, and said corpses showed signs of malnutrition according to doctors who signed the death certificates. They accuse Visinescu of denying medical treatment and postponing the hospitalization of gravely sick prisoners. “The regime …did not allow for the minimum survival conditions in the long term, “the indictment said. “Prisoners died in a long drawn-out process, that was nonetheless efficient, in which they were tortured physically and mentally,” were denied food, and were physically punished on the slightest pretext, the indictment says. Visinescu says fewer died.

A probe ordered by the Communist government in 1968 into the prisons concluded the state had installed “a regime to exterminate political prisoners from 1948-1964.”

Diplomat Victor Radulescu Pogoneanu, who was serving a 25-year sentence for “plot and treason,” died at Ramnicu Sarat after prison guards held his paralyzed legs and dragged him down stairs, banging his head on each step, according to the indictment. Visinescu denied he had been dragged down the stairs.

Bjoza said many prisoners died disappointed that there had been no attempt to punish former prison guards.

“We forgave these people but there has been no justice, so we feel condemned again.”

Jul
13

Romania puts former prison commander on trial

KDWN

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — For the first time since communism collapsed in Romania 25 years ago, a former prison commander goes on trial Monday charged with being responsible for the torture and murdering prisoners considered a threat to the country’s old order.

Survivors say the delay in bringing perpetrators to justice was a cynical tactic by Romania’s new rulers, some of whom held senior positions under the communist regime, to avoid accountability.

“These criminals were left in peace on purpose and most died in their beds. now they are bringing some of the crimes to light and it is important,” said Octav Bjoza, director of the Association of Former Political Prisoners in an interview with The Associated Press.

Alexandru Visinescu, 88, goes on trial charged with crimes against humanity for deaths that happened under his command at Ramnicu Sarat prison from 1956 to 1963. Since authorities brought charges against him, Visinescu says people in the street have shoved him to the ground and called him a criminal. He has pleaded not guilty and calls himself a scapegoat.

“I only followed orders. They should ask those that gave the orders,” he told the AP on Friday. “I am convinced they will do anything to take revenge.

“Why didn’t they put me on trial in 1964?” when the political prisons closed “or after (Communist leader) Nicolae Ceausescu died? Why now?”

He contests the number of deaths that prosecutors say happened under his command and denies mistreatment happened under his command that led to prisoners’ deaths. The word “criminal” is scrawled on the outside wall of the building where he lives in a shabby one-room apartment, full of old photographs of him in uniform and as a young boy. Born into a family of peasants, Visinescu said his father died the year he was born.

He seems more resigned than he was a year ago when he cursed and lunged at reporters after hearing charges against him and says he expects to go to prison. Another former prison guard was charged in 2000 with aggravated murder, but died before his trial could get underway.

Former ministers, diplomats, army officers, farmers, priests and workers considered a threat to the Communist regime were locked up in prisons from 1948 to 1964. Historians say one-fifth of the 500,000 who were incarcerated died. Bjoza says there were 40,000 political prisoners when communism ended with only 3,000 alive now.

Former prisoner Valentin Cristea, who was incarcerated in Ramnicu Sarat while Visinescu was commander, communicated by Morse code in the grim lockup where prisoners were mainly kept in solitary confinement and banned from communicating.

Cristea, 84, said he learned that the inmate in the neighboring cell, former army officer Jenica Arnautu, had gone on hunger strike to protest mistreatment, was being force-fed with a tube down his throat. In November 1959, three days after the tapping on the wall stopped, Arnautu, who was 36, died, Cristea said in an interview from his home in Campina, 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Bucharest. Visinescu denied knowledge of the case.

Prosecutors say 14 people died under Visinescu’s command, and said corpses showed signs of malnutrition according to doctors who signed the death certificates. They accuse Visinescu of denying medical treatment and postponing the hospitalization of gravely sick prisoners. “The regime …did not allow for the minimum survival conditions in the long term, “the indictment said. “Prisoners died in a long drawn-out process, that was nonetheless efficient, in which they were tortured physically and mentally,” were denied food, and were physically punished on the slightest pretext, the indictment says. Visinescu says fewer died.

A probe ordered by the Communist government in 1968 into the prisons concluded the state had installed “a regime to exterminate political prisoners from 1948-1964.”

Diplomat Victor Radulescu Pogoneanu, who was serving a 25-year sentence for “plot and treason,” died at Ramnicu Sarat after prison guards held his paralyzed legs and dragged him down stairs, banging his head on each step, according to the indictment. Visinescu denied he had been dragged down the stairs.

Bjoza said many prisoners died disappointed that there had been no attempt to punish former prison guards.

“We forgave these people but there has been no justice, so we feel condemned again.”

Jul
13

Romania puts former prison commander on trial

KDWN

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — For the first time since communism collapsed in Romania 25 years ago, a former prison commander goes on trial Monday charged with being responsible for the torture and murdering prisoners considered a threat to the country’s old order.

Survivors say the delay in bringing perpetrators to justice was a cynical tactic by Romania’s new rulers, some of whom held senior positions under the communist regime, to avoid accountability.

“These criminals were left in peace on purpose and most died in their beds. now they are bringing some of the crimes to light and it is important,” said Octav Bjoza, director of the Association of Former Political Prisoners in an interview with The Associated Press.

Alexandru Visinescu, 88, goes on trial charged with crimes against humanity for deaths that happened under his command at Ramnicu Sarat prison from 1956 to 1963. Since authorities brought charges against him, Visinescu says people in the street have shoved him to the ground and called him a criminal. He has pleaded not guilty and calls himself a scapegoat.

“I only followed orders. They should ask those that gave the orders,” he told the AP on Friday. “I am convinced they will do anything to take revenge.

“Why didn’t they put me on trial in 1964?” when the political prisons closed “or after (Communist leader) Nicolae Ceausescu died? Why now?”

He contests the number of deaths that prosecutors say happened under his command and denies mistreatment happened under his command that led to prisoners’ deaths. The word “criminal” is scrawled on the outside wall of the building where he lives in a shabby one-room apartment, full of old photographs of him in uniform and as a young boy. Born into a family of peasants, Visinescu said his father died the year he was born.

He seems more resigned than he was a year ago when he cursed and lunged at reporters after hearing charges against him and says he expects to go to prison. Another former prison guard was charged in 2000 with aggravated murder, but died before his trial could get underway.

Former ministers, diplomats, army officers, farmers, priests and workers considered a threat to the Communist regime were locked up in prisons from 1948 to 1964. Historians say one-fifth of the 500,000 who were incarcerated died. Bjoza says there were 40,000 political prisoners when communism ended with only 3,000 alive now.

Former prisoner Valentin Cristea, who was incarcerated in Ramnicu Sarat while Visinescu was commander, communicated by Morse code in the grim lockup where prisoners were mainly kept in solitary confinement and banned from communicating.

Cristea, 84, said he learned that the inmate in the neighboring cell, former army officer Jenica Arnautu, had gone on hunger strike to protest mistreatment, was being force-fed with a tube down his throat. In November 1959, three days after the tapping on the wall stopped, Arnautu, who was 36, died, Cristea said in an interview from his home in Campina, 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Bucharest. Visinescu denied knowledge of the case.

Prosecutors say 14 people died under Visinescu’s command, and said corpses showed signs of malnutrition according to doctors who signed the death certificates. They accuse Visinescu of denying medical treatment and postponing the hospitalization of gravely sick prisoners. “The regime …did not allow for the minimum survival conditions in the long term, “the indictment said. “Prisoners died in a long drawn-out process, that was nonetheless efficient, in which they were tortured physically and mentally,” were denied food, and were physically punished on the slightest pretext, the indictment says. Visinescu says fewer died.

A probe ordered by the Communist government in 1968 into the prisons concluded the state had installed “a regime to exterminate political prisoners from 1948-1964.”

Diplomat Victor Radulescu Pogoneanu, who was serving a 25-year sentence for “plot and treason,” died at Ramnicu Sarat after prison guards held his paralyzed legs and dragged him down stairs, banging his head on each step, according to the indictment. Visinescu denied he had been dragged down the stairs.

Bjoza said many prisoners died disappointed that there had been no attempt to punish former prison guards.

“We forgave these people but there has been no justice, so we feel condemned again.”

Jul
13

Romania puts former prison commander on trial

KDWN

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — For the first time since communism collapsed in Romania 25 years ago, a former prison commander goes on trial Monday charged with being responsible for the torture and murdering prisoners considered a threat to the country’s old order.

Survivors say the delay in bringing perpetrators to justice was a cynical tactic by Romania’s new rulers, some of whom held senior positions under the communist regime, to avoid accountability.

“These criminals were left in peace on purpose and most died in their beds. now they are bringing some of the crimes to light and it is important,” said Octav Bjoza, director of the Association of Former Political Prisoners in an interview with The Associated Press.

Alexandru Visinescu, 88, goes on trial charged with crimes against humanity for deaths that happened under his command at Ramnicu Sarat prison from 1956 to 1963. Since authorities brought charges against him, Visinescu says people in the street have shoved him to the ground and called him a criminal. He has pleaded not guilty and calls himself a scapegoat.

“I only followed orders. They should ask those that gave the orders,” he told the AP on Friday. “I am convinced they will do anything to take revenge.

“Why didn’t they put me on trial in 1964?” when the political prisons closed “or after (Communist leader) Nicolae Ceausescu died? Why now?”

He contests the number of deaths that prosecutors say happened under his command and denies mistreatment happened under his command that led to prisoners’ deaths. The word “criminal” is scrawled on the outside wall of the building where he lives in a shabby one-room apartment, full of old photographs of him in uniform and as a young boy. Born into a family of peasants, Visinescu said his father died the year he was born.

He seems more resigned than he was a year ago when he cursed and lunged at reporters after hearing charges against him and says he expects to go to prison. Another former prison guard was charged in 2000 with aggravated murder, but died before his trial could get underway.

Former ministers, diplomats, army officers, farmers, priests and workers considered a threat to the Communist regime were locked up in prisons from 1948 to 1964. Historians say one-fifth of the 500,000 who were incarcerated died. Bjoza says there were 40,000 political prisoners when communism ended with only 3,000 alive now.

Former prisoner Valentin Cristea, who was incarcerated in Ramnicu Sarat while Visinescu was commander, communicated by Morse code in the grim lockup where prisoners were mainly kept in solitary confinement and banned from communicating.

Cristea, 84, said he learned that the inmate in the neighboring cell, former army officer Jenica Arnautu, had gone on hunger strike to protest mistreatment, was being force-fed with a tube down his throat. In November 1959, three days after the tapping on the wall stopped, Arnautu, who was 36, died, Cristea said in an interview from his home in Campina, 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Bucharest. Visinescu denied knowledge of the case.

Prosecutors say 14 people died under Visinescu’s command, and said corpses showed signs of malnutrition according to doctors who signed the death certificates. They accuse Visinescu of denying medical treatment and postponing the hospitalization of gravely sick prisoners. “The regime …did not allow for the minimum survival conditions in the long term, “the indictment said. “Prisoners died in a long drawn-out process, that was nonetheless efficient, in which they were tortured physically and mentally,” were denied food, and were physically punished on the slightest pretext, the indictment says. Visinescu says fewer died.

A probe ordered by the Communist government in 1968 into the prisons concluded the state had installed “a regime to exterminate political prisoners from 1948-1964.”

Diplomat Victor Radulescu Pogoneanu, who was serving a 25-year sentence for “plot and treason,” died at Ramnicu Sarat after prison guards held his paralyzed legs and dragged him down stairs, banging his head on each step, according to the indictment. Visinescu denied he had been dragged down the stairs.

Bjoza said many prisoners died disappointed that there had been no attempt to punish former prison guards.

“We forgave these people but there has been no justice, so we feel condemned again.”

Jul
13

Romania puts former prison commander on trial

KDWN

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — For the first time since communism collapsed in Romania 25 years ago, a former prison commander goes on trial Monday charged with being responsible for the torture and murdering prisoners considered a threat to the country’s old order.

Survivors say the delay in bringing perpetrators to justice was a cynical tactic by Romania’s new rulers, some of whom held senior positions under the communist regime, to avoid accountability.

“These criminals were left in peace on purpose and most died in their beds. now they are bringing some of the crimes to light and it is important,” said Octav Bjoza, director of the Association of Former Political Prisoners in an interview with The Associated Press.

Alexandru Visinescu, 88, goes on trial charged with crimes against humanity for deaths that happened under his command at Ramnicu Sarat prison from 1956 to 1963. Since authorities brought charges against him, Visinescu says people in the street have shoved him to the ground and called him a criminal. He has pleaded not guilty and calls himself a scapegoat.

“I only followed orders. They should ask those that gave the orders,” he told the AP on Friday. “I am convinced they will do anything to take revenge.

“Why didn’t they put me on trial in 1964?” when the political prisons closed “or after (Communist leader) Nicolae Ceausescu died? Why now?”

He contests the number of deaths that prosecutors say happened under his command and denies mistreatment happened under his command that led to prisoners’ deaths. The word “criminal” is scrawled on the outside wall of the building where he lives in a shabby one-room apartment, full of old photographs of him in uniform and as a young boy. Born into a family of peasants, Visinescu said his father died the year he was born.

He seems more resigned than he was a year ago when he cursed and lunged at reporters after hearing charges against him and says he expects to go to prison. Another former prison guard was charged in 2000 with aggravated murder, but died before his trial could get underway.

Former ministers, diplomats, army officers, farmers, priests and workers considered a threat to the Communist regime were locked up in prisons from 1948 to 1964. Historians say one-fifth of the 500,000 who were incarcerated died. Bjoza says there were 40,000 political prisoners when communism ended with only 3,000 alive now.

Former prisoner Valentin Cristea, who was incarcerated in Ramnicu Sarat while Visinescu was commander, communicated by Morse code in the grim lockup where prisoners were mainly kept in solitary confinement and banned from communicating.

Cristea, 84, said he learned that the inmate in the neighboring cell, former army officer Jenica Arnautu, had gone on hunger strike to protest mistreatment, was being force-fed with a tube down his throat. In November 1959, three days after the tapping on the wall stopped, Arnautu, who was 36, died, Cristea said in an interview from his home in Campina, 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Bucharest. Visinescu denied knowledge of the case.

Prosecutors say 14 people died under Visinescu’s command, and said corpses showed signs of malnutrition according to doctors who signed the death certificates. They accuse Visinescu of denying medical treatment and postponing the hospitalization of gravely sick prisoners. “The regime …did not allow for the minimum survival conditions in the long term, “the indictment said. “Prisoners died in a long drawn-out process, that was nonetheless efficient, in which they were tortured physically and mentally,” were denied food, and were physically punished on the slightest pretext, the indictment says. Visinescu says fewer died.

A probe ordered by the Communist government in 1968 into the prisons concluded the state had installed “a regime to exterminate political prisoners from 1948-1964.”

Diplomat Victor Radulescu Pogoneanu, who was serving a 25-year sentence for “plot and treason,” died at Ramnicu Sarat after prison guards held his paralyzed legs and dragged him down stairs, banging his head on each step, according to the indictment. Visinescu denied he had been dragged down the stairs.

Bjoza said many prisoners died disappointed that there had been no attempt to punish former prison guards.

“We forgave these people but there has been no justice, so we feel condemned again.”

Jul
13

Romania puts former prison commander on trial

KDWN

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — For the first time since communism collapsed in Romania 25 years ago, a former prison commander goes on trial Monday charged with being responsible for the torture and murdering prisoners considered a threat to the country’s old order.

Survivors say the delay in bringing perpetrators to justice was a cynical tactic by Romania’s new rulers, some of whom held senior positions under the communist regime, to avoid accountability.

“These criminals were left in peace on purpose and most died in their beds. now they are bringing some of the crimes to light and it is important,” said Octav Bjoza, director of the Association of Former Political Prisoners in an interview with The Associated Press.

Alexandru Visinescu, 88, goes on trial charged with crimes against humanity for deaths that happened under his command at Ramnicu Sarat prison from 1956 to 1963. Since authorities brought charges against him, Visinescu says people in the street have shoved him to the ground and called him a criminal. He has pleaded not guilty and calls himself a scapegoat.

“I only followed orders. They should ask those that gave the orders,” he told the AP on Friday. “I am convinced they will do anything to take revenge.

“Why didn’t they put me on trial in 1964?” when the political prisons closed “or after (Communist leader) Nicolae Ceausescu died? Why now?”

He contests the number of deaths that prosecutors say happened under his command and denies mistreatment happened under his command that led to prisoners’ deaths. The word “criminal” is scrawled on the outside wall of the building where he lives in a shabby one-room apartment, full of old photographs of him in uniform and as a young boy. Born into a family of peasants, Visinescu said his father died the year he was born.

He seems more resigned than he was a year ago when he cursed and lunged at reporters after hearing charges against him and says he expects to go to prison. Another former prison guard was charged in 2000 with aggravated murder, but died before his trial could get underway.

Former ministers, diplomats, army officers, farmers, priests and workers considered a threat to the Communist regime were locked up in prisons from 1948 to 1964. Historians say one-fifth of the 500,000 who were incarcerated died. Bjoza says there were 40,000 political prisoners when communism ended with only 3,000 alive now.

Former prisoner Valentin Cristea, who was incarcerated in Ramnicu Sarat while Visinescu was commander, communicated by Morse code in the grim lockup where prisoners were mainly kept in solitary confinement and banned from communicating.

Cristea, 84, said he learned that the inmate in the neighboring cell, former army officer Jenica Arnautu, had gone on hunger strike to protest mistreatment, was being force-fed with a tube down his throat. In November 1959, three days after the tapping on the wall stopped, Arnautu, who was 36, died, Cristea said in an interview from his home in Campina, 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Bucharest. Visinescu denied knowledge of the case.

Prosecutors say 14 people died under Visinescu’s command, and said corpses showed signs of malnutrition according to doctors who signed the death certificates. They accuse Visinescu of denying medical treatment and postponing the hospitalization of gravely sick prisoners. “The regime …did not allow for the minimum survival conditions in the long term, “the indictment said. “Prisoners died in a long drawn-out process, that was nonetheless efficient, in which they were tortured physically and mentally,” were denied food, and were physically punished on the slightest pretext, the indictment says. Visinescu says fewer died.

A probe ordered by the Communist government in 1968 into the prisons concluded the state had installed “a regime to exterminate political prisoners from 1948-1964.”

Diplomat Victor Radulescu Pogoneanu, who was serving a 25-year sentence for “plot and treason,” died at Ramnicu Sarat after prison guards held his paralyzed legs and dragged him down stairs, banging his head on each step, according to the indictment. Visinescu denied he had been dragged down the stairs.

Bjoza said many prisoners died disappointed that there had been no attempt to punish former prison guards.

“We forgave these people but there has been no justice, so we feel condemned again.”

Jul
13

Romania puts former prison commander on trial

KDWN

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — For the first time since communism collapsed in Romania 25 years ago, a former prison commander goes on trial Monday charged with being responsible for the torture and murdering prisoners considered a threat to the country’s old order.

Survivors say the delay in bringing perpetrators to justice was a cynical tactic by Romania’s new rulers, some of whom held senior positions under the communist regime, to avoid accountability.

“These criminals were left in peace on purpose and most died in their beds. now they are bringing some of the crimes to light and it is important,” said Octav Bjoza, director of the Association of Former Political Prisoners in an interview with The Associated Press.

Alexandru Visinescu, 88, goes on trial charged with crimes against humanity for deaths that happened under his command at Ramnicu Sarat prison from 1956 to 1963. Since authorities brought charges against him, Visinescu says people in the street have shoved him to the ground and called him a criminal. He has pleaded not guilty and calls himself a scapegoat.

“I only followed orders. They should ask those that gave the orders,” he told the AP on Friday. “I am convinced they will do anything to take revenge.

“Why didn’t they put me on trial in 1964?” when the political prisons closed “or after (Communist leader) Nicolae Ceausescu died? Why now?”

He contests the number of deaths that prosecutors say happened under his command and denies mistreatment happened under his command that led to prisoners’ deaths. The word “criminal” is scrawled on the outside wall of the building where he lives in a shabby one-room apartment, full of old photographs of him in uniform and as a young boy. Born into a family of peasants, Visinescu said his father died the year he was born.

He seems more resigned than he was a year ago when he cursed and lunged at reporters after hearing charges against him and says he expects to go to prison. Another former prison guard was charged in 2000 with aggravated murder, but died before his trial could get underway.

Former ministers, diplomats, army officers, farmers, priests and workers considered a threat to the Communist regime were locked up in prisons from 1948 to 1964. Historians say one-fifth of the 500,000 who were incarcerated died. Bjoza says there were 40,000 political prisoners when communism ended with only 3,000 alive now.

Former prisoner Valentin Cristea, who was incarcerated in Ramnicu Sarat while Visinescu was commander, communicated by Morse code in the grim lockup where prisoners were mainly kept in solitary confinement and banned from communicating.

Cristea, 84, said he learned that the inmate in the neighboring cell, former army officer Jenica Arnautu, had gone on hunger strike to protest mistreatment, was being force-fed with a tube down his throat. In November 1959, three days after the tapping on the wall stopped, Arnautu, who was 36, died, Cristea said in an interview from his home in Campina, 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Bucharest. Visinescu denied knowledge of the case.

Prosecutors say 14 people died under Visinescu’s command, and said corpses showed signs of malnutrition according to doctors who signed the death certificates. They accuse Visinescu of denying medical treatment and postponing the hospitalization of gravely sick prisoners. “The regime …did not allow for the minimum survival conditions in the long term, “the indictment said. “Prisoners died in a long drawn-out process, that was nonetheless efficient, in which they were tortured physically and mentally,” were denied food, and were physically punished on the slightest pretext, the indictment says. Visinescu says fewer died.

A probe ordered by the Communist government in 1968 into the prisons concluded the state had installed “a regime to exterminate political prisoners from 1948-1964.”

Diplomat Victor Radulescu Pogoneanu, who was serving a 25-year sentence for “plot and treason,” died at Ramnicu Sarat after prison guards held his paralyzed legs and dragged him down stairs, banging his head on each step, according to the indictment. Visinescu denied he had been dragged down the stairs.

Bjoza said many prisoners died disappointed that there had been no attempt to punish former prison guards.

“We forgave these people but there has been no justice, so we feel condemned again.”

Jul
13

Romania puts former prison commander on trial

KDWN

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — For the first time since communism collapsed in Romania 25 years ago, a former prison commander goes on trial Monday charged with being responsible for the torture and murdering prisoners considered a threat to the country’s old order.

Survivors say the delay in bringing perpetrators to justice was a cynical tactic by Romania’s new rulers, some of whom held senior positions under the communist regime, to avoid accountability.

“These criminals were left in peace on purpose and most died in their beds. now they are bringing some of the crimes to light and it is important,” said Octav Bjoza, director of the Association of Former Political Prisoners in an interview with The Associated Press.

Alexandru Visinescu, 88, goes on trial charged with crimes against humanity for deaths that happened under his command at Ramnicu Sarat prison from 1956 to 1963. Since authorities brought charges against him, Visinescu says people in the street have shoved him to the ground and called him a criminal. He has pleaded not guilty and calls himself a scapegoat.

“I only followed orders. They should ask those that gave the orders,” he told the AP on Friday. “I am convinced they will do anything to take revenge.

“Why didn’t they put me on trial in 1964?” when the political prisons closed “or after (Communist leader) Nicolae Ceausescu died? Why now?”

He contests the number of deaths that prosecutors say happened under his command and denies mistreatment happened under his command that led to prisoners’ deaths. The word “criminal” is scrawled on the outside wall of the building where he lives in a shabby one-room apartment, full of old photographs of him in uniform and as a young boy. Born into a family of peasants, Visinescu said his father died the year he was born.

He seems more resigned than he was a year ago when he cursed and lunged at reporters after hearing charges against him and says he expects to go to prison. Another former prison guard was charged in 2000 with aggravated murder, but died before his trial could get underway.

Former ministers, diplomats, army officers, farmers, priests and workers considered a threat to the Communist regime were locked up in prisons from 1948 to 1964. Historians say one-fifth of the 500,000 who were incarcerated died. Bjoza says there were 40,000 political prisoners when communism ended with only 3,000 alive now.

Former prisoner Valentin Cristea, who was incarcerated in Ramnicu Sarat while Visinescu was commander, communicated by Morse code in the grim lockup where prisoners were mainly kept in solitary confinement and banned from communicating.

Cristea, 84, said he learned that the inmate in the neighboring cell, former army officer Jenica Arnautu, had gone on hunger strike to protest mistreatment, was being force-fed with a tube down his throat. In November 1959, three days after the tapping on the wall stopped, Arnautu, who was 36, died, Cristea said in an interview from his home in Campina, 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Bucharest. Visinescu denied knowledge of the case.

Prosecutors say 14 people died under Visinescu’s command, and said corpses showed signs of malnutrition according to doctors who signed the death certificates. They accuse Visinescu of denying medical treatment and postponing the hospitalization of gravely sick prisoners. “The regime …did not allow for the minimum survival conditions in the long term, “the indictment said. “Prisoners died in a long drawn-out process, that was nonetheless efficient, in which they were tortured physically and mentally,” were denied food, and were physically punished on the slightest pretext, the indictment says. Visinescu says fewer died.

A probe ordered by the Communist government in 1968 into the prisons concluded the state had installed “a regime to exterminate political prisoners from 1948-1964.”

Diplomat Victor Radulescu Pogoneanu, who was serving a 25-year sentence for “plot and treason,” died at Ramnicu Sarat after prison guards held his paralyzed legs and dragged him down stairs, banging his head on each step, according to the indictment. Visinescu denied he had been dragged down the stairs.

Bjoza said many prisoners died disappointed that there had been no attempt to punish former prison guards.

“We forgave these people but there has been no justice, so we feel condemned again.”

Jul
13

Romania puts former prison commander on trial

KDWN

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — For the first time since communism collapsed in Romania 25 years ago, a former prison commander goes on trial Monday charged with being responsible for the torture and murdering prisoners considered a threat to the country’s old order.

Survivors say the delay in bringing perpetrators to justice was a cynical tactic by Romania’s new rulers, some of whom held senior positions under the communist regime, to avoid accountability.

“These criminals were left in peace on purpose and most died in their beds. now they are bringing some of the crimes to light and it is important,” said Octav Bjoza, director of the Association of Former Political Prisoners in an interview with The Associated Press.

Alexandru Visinescu, 88, goes on trial charged with crimes against humanity for deaths that happened under his command at Ramnicu Sarat prison from 1956 to 1963. Since authorities brought charges against him, Visinescu says people in the street have shoved him to the ground and called him a criminal. He has pleaded not guilty and calls himself a scapegoat.

“I only followed orders. They should ask those that gave the orders,” he told the AP on Friday. “I am convinced they will do anything to take revenge.

“Why didn’t they put me on trial in 1964?” when the political prisons closed “or after (Communist leader) Nicolae Ceausescu died? Why now?”

He contests the number of deaths that prosecutors say happened under his command and denies mistreatment happened under his command that led to prisoners’ deaths. The word “criminal” is scrawled on the outside wall of the building where he lives in a shabby one-room apartment, full of old photographs of him in uniform and as a young boy. Born into a family of peasants, Visinescu said his father died the year he was born.

He seems more resigned than he was a year ago when he cursed and lunged at reporters after hearing charges against him and says he expects to go to prison. Another former prison guard was charged in 2000 with aggravated murder, but died before his trial could get underway.

Former ministers, diplomats, army officers, farmers, priests and workers considered a threat to the Communist regime were locked up in prisons from 1948 to 1964. Historians say one-fifth of the 500,000 who were incarcerated died. Bjoza says there were 40,000 political prisoners when communism ended with only 3,000 alive now.

Former prisoner Valentin Cristea, who was incarcerated in Ramnicu Sarat while Visinescu was commander, communicated by Morse code in the grim lockup where prisoners were mainly kept in solitary confinement and banned from communicating.

Cristea, 84, said he learned that the inmate in the neighboring cell, former army officer Jenica Arnautu, had gone on hunger strike to protest mistreatment, was being force-fed with a tube down his throat. In November 1959, three days after the tapping on the wall stopped, Arnautu, who was 36, died, Cristea said in an interview from his home in Campina, 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Bucharest. Visinescu denied knowledge of the case.

Prosecutors say 14 people died under Visinescu’s command, and said corpses showed signs of malnutrition according to doctors who signed the death certificates. They accuse Visinescu of denying medical treatment and postponing the hospitalization of gravely sick prisoners. “The regime …did not allow for the minimum survival conditions in the long term, “the indictment said. “Prisoners died in a long drawn-out process, that was nonetheless efficient, in which they were tortured physically and mentally,” were denied food, and were physically punished on the slightest pretext, the indictment says. Visinescu says fewer died.

A probe ordered by the Communist government in 1968 into the prisons concluded the state had installed “a regime to exterminate political prisoners from 1948-1964.”

Diplomat Victor Radulescu Pogoneanu, who was serving a 25-year sentence for “plot and treason,” died at Ramnicu Sarat after prison guards held his paralyzed legs and dragged him down stairs, banging his head on each step, according to the indictment. Visinescu denied he had been dragged down the stairs.

Bjoza said many prisoners died disappointed that there had been no attempt to punish former prison guards.

“We forgave these people but there has been no justice, so we feel condemned again.”

Jul
13

Romania puts former prison commander on trial

KDWN

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — For the first time since communism collapsed in Romania 25 years ago, a former prison commander goes on trial Monday charged with being responsible for the torture and murdering prisoners considered a threat to the country’s old order.

Survivors say the delay in bringing perpetrators to justice was a cynical tactic by Romania’s new rulers, some of whom held senior positions under the communist regime, to avoid accountability.

“These criminals were left in peace on purpose and most died in their beds. now they are bringing some of the crimes to light and it is important,” said Octav Bjoza, director of the Association of Former Political Prisoners in an interview with The Associated Press.

Alexandru Visinescu, 88, goes on trial charged with crimes against humanity for deaths that happened under his command at Ramnicu Sarat prison from 1956 to 1963. Since authorities brought charges against him, Visinescu says people in the street have shoved him to the ground and called him a criminal. He has pleaded not guilty and calls himself a scapegoat.

“I only followed orders. They should ask those that gave the orders,” he told the AP on Friday. “I am convinced they will do anything to take revenge.

“Why didn’t they put me on trial in 1964?” when the political prisons closed “or after (Communist leader) Nicolae Ceausescu died? Why now?”

He contests the number of deaths that prosecutors say happened under his command and denies mistreatment happened under his command that led to prisoners’ deaths. The word “criminal” is scrawled on the outside wall of the building where he lives in a shabby one-room apartment, full of old photographs of him in uniform and as a young boy. Born into a family of peasants, Visinescu said his father died the year he was born.

He seems more resigned than he was a year ago when he cursed and lunged at reporters after hearing charges against him and says he expects to go to prison. Another former prison guard was charged in 2000 with aggravated murder, but died before his trial could get underway.

Former ministers, diplomats, army officers, farmers, priests and workers considered a threat to the Communist regime were locked up in prisons from 1948 to 1964. Historians say one-fifth of the 500,000 who were incarcerated died. Bjoza says there were 40,000 political prisoners when communism ended with only 3,000 alive now.

Former prisoner Valentin Cristea, who was incarcerated in Ramnicu Sarat while Visinescu was commander, communicated by Morse code in the grim lockup where prisoners were mainly kept in solitary confinement and banned from communicating.

Cristea, 84, said he learned that the inmate in the neighboring cell, former army officer Jenica Arnautu, had gone on hunger strike to protest mistreatment, was being force-fed with a tube down his throat. In November 1959, three days after the tapping on the wall stopped, Arnautu, who was 36, died, Cristea said in an interview from his home in Campina, 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Bucharest. Visinescu denied knowledge of the case.

Prosecutors say 14 people died under Visinescu’s command, and said corpses showed signs of malnutrition according to doctors who signed the death certificates. They accuse Visinescu of denying medical treatment and postponing the hospitalization of gravely sick prisoners. “The regime …did not allow for the minimum survival conditions in the long term, “the indictment said. “Prisoners died in a long drawn-out process, that was nonetheless efficient, in which they were tortured physically and mentally,” were denied food, and were physically punished on the slightest pretext, the indictment says. Visinescu says fewer died.

A probe ordered by the Communist government in 1968 into the prisons concluded the state had installed “a regime to exterminate political prisoners from 1948-1964.”

Diplomat Victor Radulescu Pogoneanu, who was serving a 25-year sentence for “plot and treason,” died at Ramnicu Sarat after prison guards held his paralyzed legs and dragged him down stairs, banging his head on each step, according to the indictment. Visinescu denied he had been dragged down the stairs.

Bjoza said many prisoners died disappointed that there had been no attempt to punish former prison guards.

“We forgave these people but there has been no justice, so we feel condemned again.”

Jul
13

Romania puts former prison commander on trial

KDWN

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — For the first time since communism collapsed in Romania 25 years ago, a former prison commander goes on trial Monday charged with being responsible for the torture and murdering prisoners considered a threat to the country’s old order.

Survivors say the delay in bringing perpetrators to justice was a cynical tactic by Romania’s new rulers, some of whom held senior positions under the communist regime, to avoid accountability.

“These criminals were left in peace on purpose and most died in their beds. now they are bringing some of the crimes to light and it is important,” said Octav Bjoza, director of the Association of Former Political Prisoners in an interview with The Associated Press.

Alexandru Visinescu, 88, goes on trial charged with crimes against humanity for deaths that happened under his command at Ramnicu Sarat prison from 1956 to 1963. Since authorities brought charges against him, Visinescu says people in the street have shoved him to the ground and called him a criminal. He has pleaded not guilty and calls himself a scapegoat.

“I only followed orders. They should ask those that gave the orders,” he told the AP on Friday. “I am convinced they will do anything to take revenge.

“Why didn’t they put me on trial in 1964?” when the political prisons closed “or after (Communist leader) Nicolae Ceausescu died? Why now?”

He contests the number of deaths that prosecutors say happened under his command and denies mistreatment happened under his command that led to prisoners’ deaths. The word “criminal” is scrawled on the outside wall of the building where he lives in a shabby one-room apartment, full of old photographs of him in uniform and as a young boy. Born into a family of peasants, Visinescu said his father died the year he was born.

He seems more resigned than he was a year ago when he cursed and lunged at reporters after hearing charges against him and says he expects to go to prison. Another former prison guard was charged in 2000 with aggravated murder, but died before his trial could get underway.

Former ministers, diplomats, army officers, farmers, priests and workers considered a threat to the Communist regime were locked up in prisons from 1948 to 1964. Historians say one-fifth of the 500,000 who were incarcerated died. Bjoza says there were 40,000 political prisoners when communism ended with only 3,000 alive now.

Former prisoner Valentin Cristea, who was incarcerated in Ramnicu Sarat while Visinescu was commander, communicated by Morse code in the grim lockup where prisoners were mainly kept in solitary confinement and banned from communicating.

Cristea, 84, said he learned that the inmate in the neighboring cell, former army officer Jenica Arnautu, had gone on hunger strike to protest mistreatment, was being force-fed with a tube down his throat. In November 1959, three days after the tapping on the wall stopped, Arnautu, who was 36, died, Cristea said in an interview from his home in Campina, 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Bucharest. Visinescu denied knowledge of the case.

Prosecutors say 14 people died under Visinescu’s command, and said corpses showed signs of malnutrition according to doctors who signed the death certificates. They accuse Visinescu of denying medical treatment and postponing the hospitalization of gravely sick prisoners. “The regime …did not allow for the minimum survival conditions in the long term, “the indictment said. “Prisoners died in a long drawn-out process, that was nonetheless efficient, in which they were tortured physically and mentally,” were denied food, and were physically punished on the slightest pretext, the indictment says. Visinescu says fewer died.

A probe ordered by the Communist government in 1968 into the prisons concluded the state had installed “a regime to exterminate political prisoners from 1948-1964.”

Diplomat Victor Radulescu Pogoneanu, who was serving a 25-year sentence for “plot and treason,” died at Ramnicu Sarat after prison guards held his paralyzed legs and dragged him down stairs, banging his head on each step, according to the indictment. Visinescu denied he had been dragged down the stairs.

Bjoza said many prisoners died disappointed that there had been no attempt to punish former prison guards.

“We forgave these people but there has been no justice, so we feel condemned again.”

Jul
13

Romania puts former prison commander on trial

KDWN

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — For the first time since communism collapsed in Romania 25 years ago, a former prison commander goes on trial Monday charged with being responsible for the torture and murdering prisoners considered a threat to the country’s old order.

Survivors say the delay in bringing perpetrators to justice was a cynical tactic by Romania’s new rulers, some of whom held senior positions under the communist regime, to avoid accountability.

“These criminals were left in peace on purpose and most died in their beds. now they are bringing some of the crimes to light and it is important,” said Octav Bjoza, director of the Association of Former Political Prisoners in an interview with The Associated Press.

Alexandru Visinescu, 88, goes on trial charged with crimes against humanity for deaths that happened under his command at Ramnicu Sarat prison from 1956 to 1963. Since authorities brought charges against him, Visinescu says people in the street have shoved him to the ground and called him a criminal. He has pleaded not guilty and calls himself a scapegoat.

“I only followed orders. They should ask those that gave the orders,” he told the AP on Friday. “I am convinced they will do anything to take revenge.

“Why didn’t they put me on trial in 1964?” when the political prisons closed “or after (Communist leader) Nicolae Ceausescu died? Why now?”

He contests the number of deaths that prosecutors say happened under his command and denies mistreatment happened under his command that led to prisoners’ deaths. The word “criminal” is scrawled on the outside wall of the building where he lives in a shabby one-room apartment, full of old photographs of him in uniform and as a young boy. Born into a family of peasants, Visinescu said his father died the year he was born.

He seems more resigned than he was a year ago when he cursed and lunged at reporters after hearing charges against him and says he expects to go to prison. Another former prison guard was charged in 2000 with aggravated murder, but died before his trial could get underway.

Former ministers, diplomats, army officers, farmers, priests and workers considered a threat to the Communist regime were locked up in prisons from 1948 to 1964. Historians say one-fifth of the 500,000 who were incarcerated died. Bjoza says there were 40,000 political prisoners when communism ended with only 3,000 alive now.

Former prisoner Valentin Cristea, who was incarcerated in Ramnicu Sarat while Visinescu was commander, communicated by Morse code in the grim lockup where prisoners were mainly kept in solitary confinement and banned from communicating.

Cristea, 84, said he learned that the inmate in the neighboring cell, former army officer Jenica Arnautu, had gone on hunger strike to protest mistreatment, was being force-fed with a tube down his throat. In November 1959, three days after the tapping on the wall stopped, Arnautu, who was 36, died, Cristea said in an interview from his home in Campina, 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Bucharest. Visinescu denied knowledge of the case.

Prosecutors say 14 people died under Visinescu’s command, and said corpses showed signs of malnutrition according to doctors who signed the death certificates. They accuse Visinescu of denying medical treatment and postponing the hospitalization of gravely sick prisoners. “The regime …did not allow for the minimum survival conditions in the long term, “the indictment said. “Prisoners died in a long drawn-out process, that was nonetheless efficient, in which they were tortured physically and mentally,” were denied food, and were physically punished on the slightest pretext, the indictment says. Visinescu says fewer died.

A probe ordered by the Communist government in 1968 into the prisons concluded the state had installed “a regime to exterminate political prisoners from 1948-1964.”

Diplomat Victor Radulescu Pogoneanu, who was serving a 25-year sentence for “plot and treason,” died at Ramnicu Sarat after prison guards held his paralyzed legs and dragged him down stairs, banging his head on each step, according to the indictment. Visinescu denied he had been dragged down the stairs.

Bjoza said many prisoners died disappointed that there had been no attempt to punish former prison guards.

“We forgave these people but there has been no justice, so we feel condemned again.”

Jul
13

Romania puts former prison commander on trial

KDWN

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — For the first time since communism collapsed in Romania 25 years ago, a former prison commander goes on trial Monday charged with being responsible for the torture and murdering prisoners considered a threat to the country’s old order.

Survivors say the delay in bringing perpetrators to justice was a cynical tactic by Romania’s new rulers, some of whom held senior positions under the communist regime, to avoid accountability.

“These criminals were left in peace on purpose and most died in their beds. now they are bringing some of the crimes to light and it is important,” said Octav Bjoza, director of the Association of Former Political Prisoners in an interview with The Associated Press.

Alexandru Visinescu, 88, goes on trial charged with crimes against humanity for deaths that happened under his command at Ramnicu Sarat prison from 1956 to 1963. Since authorities brought charges against him, Visinescu says people in the street have shoved him to the ground and called him a criminal. He has pleaded not guilty and calls himself a scapegoat.

“I only followed orders. They should ask those that gave the orders,” he told the AP on Friday. “I am convinced they will do anything to take revenge.

“Why didn’t they put me on trial in 1964?” when the political prisons closed “or after (Communist leader) Nicolae Ceausescu died? Why now?”

He contests the number of deaths that prosecutors say happened under his command and denies mistreatment happened under his command that led to prisoners’ deaths. The word “criminal” is scrawled on the outside wall of the building where he lives in a shabby one-room apartment, full of old photographs of him in uniform and as a young boy. Born into a family of peasants, Visinescu said his father died the year he was born.

He seems more resigned than he was a year ago when he cursed and lunged at reporters after hearing charges against him and says he expects to go to prison. Another former prison guard was charged in 2000 with aggravated murder, but died before his trial could get underway.

Former ministers, diplomats, army officers, farmers, priests and workers considered a threat to the Communist regime were locked up in prisons from 1948 to 1964. Historians say one-fifth of the 500,000 who were incarcerated died. Bjoza says there were 40,000 political prisoners when communism ended with only 3,000 alive now.

Former prisoner Valentin Cristea, who was incarcerated in Ramnicu Sarat while Visinescu was commander, communicated by Morse code in the grim lockup where prisoners were mainly kept in solitary confinement and banned from communicating.

Cristea, 84, said he learned that the inmate in the neighboring cell, former army officer Jenica Arnautu, had gone on hunger strike to protest mistreatment, was being force-fed with a tube down his throat. In November 1959, three days after the tapping on the wall stopped, Arnautu, who was 36, died, Cristea said in an interview from his home in Campina, 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Bucharest. Visinescu denied knowledge of the case.

Prosecutors say 14 people died under Visinescu’s command, and said corpses showed signs of malnutrition according to doctors who signed the death certificates. They accuse Visinescu of denying medical treatment and postponing the hospitalization of gravely sick prisoners. “The regime …did not allow for the minimum survival conditions in the long term, “the indictment said. “Prisoners died in a long drawn-out process, that was nonetheless efficient, in which they were tortured physically and mentally,” were denied food, and were physically punished on the slightest pretext, the indictment says. Visinescu says fewer died.

A probe ordered by the Communist government in 1968 into the prisons concluded the state had installed “a regime to exterminate political prisoners from 1948-1964.”

Diplomat Victor Radulescu Pogoneanu, who was serving a 25-year sentence for “plot and treason,” died at Ramnicu Sarat after prison guards held his paralyzed legs and dragged him down stairs, banging his head on each step, according to the indictment. Visinescu denied he had been dragged down the stairs.

Bjoza said many prisoners died disappointed that there had been no attempt to punish former prison guards.

“We forgave these people but there has been no justice, so we feel condemned again.”

Jul
13

Romania puts former prison commander on trial

KDWN

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — For the first time since communism collapsed in Romania 25 years ago, a former prison commander goes on trial Monday charged with being responsible for the torture and murdering prisoners considered a threat to the country’s old order.

Survivors say the delay in bringing perpetrators to justice was a cynical tactic by Romania’s new rulers, some of whom held senior positions under the communist regime, to avoid accountability.

“These criminals were left in peace on purpose and most died in their beds. now they are bringing some of the crimes to light and it is important,” said Octav Bjoza, director of the Association of Former Political Prisoners in an interview with The Associated Press.

Alexandru Visinescu, 88, goes on trial charged with crimes against humanity for deaths that happened under his command at Ramnicu Sarat prison from 1956 to 1963. Since authorities brought charges against him, Visinescu says people in the street have shoved him to the ground and called him a criminal. He has pleaded not guilty and calls himself a scapegoat.

“I only followed orders. They should ask those that gave the orders,” he told the AP on Friday. “I am convinced they will do anything to take revenge.

“Why didn’t they put me on trial in 1964?” when the political prisons closed “or after (Communist leader) Nicolae Ceausescu died? Why now?”

He contests the number of deaths that prosecutors say happened under his command and denies mistreatment happened under his command that led to prisoners’ deaths. The word “criminal” is scrawled on the outside wall of the building where he lives in a shabby one-room apartment, full of old photographs of him in uniform and as a young boy. Born into a family of peasants, Visinescu said his father died the year he was born.

He seems more resigned than he was a year ago when he cursed and lunged at reporters after hearing charges against him and says he expects to go to prison. Another former prison guard was charged in 2000 with aggravated murder, but died before his trial could get underway.

Former ministers, diplomats, army officers, farmers, priests and workers considered a threat to the Communist regime were locked up in prisons from 1948 to 1964. Historians say one-fifth of the 500,000 who were incarcerated died. Bjoza says there were 40,000 political prisoners when communism ended with only 3,000 alive now.

Former prisoner Valentin Cristea, who was incarcerated in Ramnicu Sarat while Visinescu was commander, communicated by Morse code in the grim lockup where prisoners were mainly kept in solitary confinement and banned from communicating.

Cristea, 84, said he learned that the inmate in the neighboring cell, former army officer Jenica Arnautu, had gone on hunger strike to protest mistreatment, was being force-fed with a tube down his throat. In November 1959, three days after the tapping on the wall stopped, Arnautu, who was 36, died, Cristea said in an interview from his home in Campina, 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Bucharest. Visinescu denied knowledge of the case.

Prosecutors say 14 people died under Visinescu’s command, and said corpses showed signs of malnutrition according to doctors who signed the death certificates. They accuse Visinescu of denying medical treatment and postponing the hospitalization of gravely sick prisoners. “The regime …did not allow for the minimum survival conditions in the long term, “the indictment said. “Prisoners died in a long drawn-out process, that was nonetheless efficient, in which they were tortured physically and mentally,” were denied food, and were physically punished on the slightest pretext, the indictment says. Visinescu says fewer died.

A probe ordered by the Communist government in 1968 into the prisons concluded the state had installed “a regime to exterminate political prisoners from 1948-1964.”

Diplomat Victor Radulescu Pogoneanu, who was serving a 25-year sentence for “plot and treason,” died at Ramnicu Sarat after prison guards held his paralyzed legs and dragged him down stairs, banging his head on each step, according to the indictment. Visinescu denied he had been dragged down the stairs.

Bjoza said many prisoners died disappointed that there had been no attempt to punish former prison guards.

“We forgave these people but there has been no justice, so we feel condemned again.”